Author Archives: MGrabell

$5M Punitive Verdict in Religious Discrimination Suit

In my training sessions on religious discrimination I always remind managers to be most careful with those employees who convert religions during their employment. Here is a case in point: Last week, a jury in Missouri awarded $5M in punitive damages … Continue reading

Posted in Harassment, Hiring/Firing, Law, Training | Leave a comment

EEOC Issues Guidance on Criminal Background Checks

The EEOC last week issued a “reminder” guidance to employers that if criminal backgrounds of potential workers are screened, you must prove that the use of the acquired information is job related in order to avoid a possible discrimination lawsuit. For purposes … Continue reading

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Transgender Protection Under Title VII

The EEOC released a landmark decision on Monday which expands Title VII protection to transgender employees. The case involved a transgender woman who was denied a job by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Agency found … Continue reading

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Forced Resignation and Unemployment Benefits

A New Jersey appeals court ruled last week that a Crossmark Inc. employee who was forced to resign did not leave his job voluntarily and, therefore, qualified for unemployment benefits. The employee was required to use his own car to … Continue reading

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Requesting Access to Employee Social Media Sites

Several lawmakers have drafted legislation to ban the practice by employers of asking current and prospective employees for access to their social media accounts claiming it is an unlawful invasion of privacy. It also violates Facebook’s terms of use and, … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Social Media, Training | Leave a comment